I currently have one young buck left after his two cage mates diedHis brother had been fighting with respiratory problems for a few months. We had taken him to the vets many different types, being prescribed a whole array of antibiotics, as well as having the vet keeping him for several days at a time to try and cure him, however nothing seemed to work. Unfortunately the poor little rat lost his battle, but we miss him very much. His other cage mate lived to be four years old, which is quite something!Since their death my current buck has changed. He seems to sleep a lot, is never playful anymore and acts generally lethargic. He has had little interest in food or roaming outside his cage which he used to love. Furthermore, he has recently started chewing the fur off his legs. I have checked constantly for respiratory and digestive problems, however apart from his behavioural change he seems to be in good health. I have come to the conclusion that he is lonely.

My first question is-is this the sort of behaviour one would expect from a depressed rat?

Secondly, does anyone know any rat rescues or breeders with available bucks in the London area? I have contacted a few breeders, however no one seems to have any bucks free in the next few weeks, and I am really desperate to find him a friend.

Thirdly, does anyone have any tips on how to make him happier whilst I find him a friend? I have added more toys, hammocks and blankets to his cage, as well as taking him out of his cage for company whenever I am at home.

Sorry for the long paragraph, but it makes me sad to see him all sad and withdrawn

That does sound like what I'd expect from a depressed rat - sorry to hear about your losses, and sorry to hear he's taken it so hard too

In terms of interim company, you're probably doing as much as you can - food, toys, attention etc. The only other option might be a stuffed toy rat? I've heard of people using these; how much difference it makes, I don't know, but if you can find one easily it can'ty hurt to try!

As for adoption options, I've not had time to dig properly (some might be dead ends) but these might help?

A couple of years ago we were in a similar position. We had two rats left after their other cage mates died. One was quite ill and eventually succumbed. The remaining rat (who was also a buck) looked awful after his cage mate died and we really thought he was dying as well. He looked really lethargic and looked like he had given up and I fully expected him to die.

We decided to get him some cage mates anyway and found three very young bucks. Almost from the moment we got them he completely changed and in a couple of days was back to his old self and looked perfectly well. He was quite old and did die a few months later but I have absolutely no doubt that he was miserable on his own and delighted to have three annoying kittens to share his last few months with.

Also if you're still stuck for rescues, furry friends in Coulsdon is really good, just outside of Croydon in South East London. Think she's got a variety of ages at the moment​, lovely lady with really good rat knowledge

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